If you’re not from Ghana’s Ashanti Region, you’ve probably never heard of Ntonso Adinkra craft village, a small village in the Kwabre East Municipality just a few kilometers from Kumasi, the regional capital. Adinkra symbols, Ghana’s most symbolic art works that carry messages full of wisdom, are said to be found in the lowly old town.
If you’re unfamiliar with Adinkra, it’s a set of distinctive creative symbols that depict unique stories in Ghanaian culture, particularly in Akan places like Asante and Akyems.
The symbols, which come in a variety of shapes and drawings, all offer unique words of knowledge and counsel intended to teach people about wisdom, unity, fairness, and socially acceptable behavior.
These symbols are painstakingly weaved into Kente materials in Ntonso Adinkra craft village, giving the town’s indigenous Kente materials a new dimension. The town has grown recognized throughout the years for its unique ability to incorporate numerous adinkra symbols onto Kente material and even engrave these motifs on key structures like as stools and royal buildings.
Craftsmen in Ntonso, such as Kente weavers, carpenters, and painters, have all meticulously mastered the skill of inserting Adinkra symbols into their works, making Ntonso the place to go if you need Adinkra symbols embossed on things, particularly fabric materials like Kente.
Because of its expertise in Adinkra symbols, Ntonsu attracts a large number of visitors. Thousands of people visit the little hamlet each year to observe how Adinkra symbols are woven into materials such as Kente and other structures.
Visitors to the town learn about the history and meanings of traditional symbols including the Sankofa, Denkyem, and Duafe. Visitors will also get the opportunity to observe the methods by which Adinkra symbols are blended into a textile material, with the primary stages being dyeing, stamping, and stitching.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Ntonso Adinkra Craftsmen?
It is best to plan before visiting Ntonso Adinkra Village. But one don’t need to book advance ticket or tour package before visiting the village and seeing Ntonso Adinkra Craftsmen. Just visit the village and ask or look for one and they are always ready to give you their service.
It is also best to visit the village with a tour guide of a tour group. But if you a solo traveler, best ask locals for help.
What’s the best way to see Ntonso Adinkra Craftsmen?
Ntonso Adinkra Craftsmen are always ready to meet new clients. And the best way is to travel with a tour agency as they have an ultimate package that will help you see Ntonso Adinkra Craftsmen. Solo traveler can just ask locals for help.
Ghana Travel Restrictions
Ghana is open to most travelers again. I mean travelers from all over the world. However, you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines. They are all good for our safety.
Read the ultimate travel guide to Ghana to help you plan your trip.